Railroad rehabilitation brings new business and profits to South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Transportation and the Dakota Southern Railway Company are wrapping up a two-year, $28-million rehabilitation project on the state-owned, shortline rail system between Mitchell and Chamberlain.

South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard said completion of the 61.6-mile rail project gives the state's farmers more options for storing, hauling and selling their crops.

Rehabilitation of the rail line facilitated construction of Gavilon Liberty Grain Terminal, as well as created opportunities for further economic development in the area.

The new elevator in Kimball will result in lower shipping costs, expanded markets and better prices for grain producers.

Dedication of the rail line, as well as a grand opening of Liberty Grain, which is located five miles east of Kimball, will take place Nov. 1.

"Rail service is extremely important in South Dakota and I'm pleased to see successful completion of this multi-year effort,'' Gov. Daugaard said. "The economic benefits of this project are immeasurable."